​China-based handset vendors will account for over 50 per cent of global mobile handset sales in 2015, according to ABI Research. The consultancy calculated that Chinese firms already accounted for 38 per cent of mobile handset shipments in 2013.

China’s growing slice of the market, said ABI, is largely down to an on-going shift in growth to low cost handsets – especially smartphones.

“Chinese vendors already take up five of the top ten places in terms of worldwide market share, despite three of them only really shipping into China,” said Nick Spencer, senior practice director, mobile devices, ABI.

“The Chinese vendors highlight the changing shape of the mobile handset market, as the Chinese manufacturing ecosystem, specifically reference designs, enable the next wave of smartphone growth in low-cost emerging markets and amongst price conscious consumers everywhere.”

ABI pointed out that many Chinese OEMs had focused almost exclusively on the huge Chinese market, with little activity beyond its borders, but this is set to change.

Huawei and ZTE have already made an impact on the world stage, but other Chinese handset OEMs like Xiaomi and Lenovo—the Motorola acquisition is a clear statement of intent, said ABI – are set to join them.

“ABI Research expects to see the impact of these Chinese vendors increasing in all emerging markets and even advanced markets, especially on prepay,” added Spencer.